This post has been written by the lovely Lauren, who works for A Life in the Fashion Lane remotely from New Jersey! 

1. Pastels

The first trend I saw on the runway is pastel colors. Pastels aren’t usually a color we keep in our wardrobe during this time of year, but it’s a great change of pace from neutrals. Pastels give warmth to collections when the base color is grey/black. With the pantone colors of the year being rose quartz and serenity, I wasn’t surprised to see an influx of pastels featured on the runway, and continue from summer into fall. Some people look at pastel colors and immediately get nostalgic for their childhood, which I totally relate to. We all used to wear light and fun colors when we were younger, so what’s stopping us from doing so now? Michael Kors RTW successfully incorporated these beautiful colors into the collection, and made a definite splash on the runway.

2. Prints!

Most of us have a tendency to steer clear of prints and new shapes/colors because we’re afraid of what they will look like on our body and how people will react. Success in fashion comes from taking risks. Though I’m not excited about the return of animal prints, I love the idea of polka dots and floral prints coming back into style. We’ve also learned mixing prints is a popular idea, as long as you do it in a tasteful fashion. Altuzarra’s Pre-Fall collection featured models mixing prints, and we die for the look above. If you’re nervous about mixing prints for the first time, break up your outfit by putting a belt in the middle. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference this one little trick will make!

3. Lace

Lace is a trend that will never go out of style. It brings a level of elegance to every outfit that you wouldn’t get from any other style. Lace dresses, skirts and shirts always look elegant, and immediately fancy up any look. It’s a trend we love (and Alexa loves) because she can wear it to the office and directly to an event/dinner following, and she’s all about versatile styles. Reem Acra succeeds at the lace trend every single season, and the dress above is no different. Lace looks fancy in clothing, along with accessories like gloves and tights. Don’t shy away from it because it has a tendency to be an “old lady” trend!

4. Socks + Heels

Our girl, Gigi, nails this trend. Everything about this outfit is on point. In an effort to bring back a popular 50’s trend, designers are incorporating socks and heels into their lines this season. It’s a playful look that many would be skeptical of actually trying, but after seeing examples on the runway, many are excited to try this out. Tommy Hilfiger, known for his quirky and nautical vibes, was one of the first designers to show this trend on the runway at this past NYFW. When you don’t want to wear heavy winter boots to stay warm in the fall, you simply put a pair of thin socks on with your stilettos and you’re ready to go!

5. Metallic

Metallic, latex, patent leather and vinyl all made comebacks this season on the runway. Worn in the past by celebs like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, it’s not a trend I was anticipating to come back around, but I’m glad it is. I prefer it in muted tones, vs. full on shine, and designers seemed to think that too. It’s not exactly an office friendly outfit, so stay on the safe side when incorporating it into work style. Don’t be afraid to go all out for date night or a GNO: metallic will get all the boys asking for your number!